The autobiographical work details Michael Herr's harrowing experiences as a war correspondent during the Vietnam War. In 1967 Michael Herr, a young journalist with Esquire magazine, traveled on assignment to Vietnam. Although realizing the benefits of not needing to file a daily or weekly press release as many of his colleagues were required to do, Herr found that the complexities of the war in Southeast Asia consumed him, both mentally and emotionally. He was unprepared for the extent of his involvement and openly admits this early in the narrative. In a voice that expresses his awe, he intones: “Talk . . . about irony: I went to cover the war and the war covered me.”

In 2009, Dispatches received the distinction of being noted as a top 100 Contemporary Classic. In 2011, the book made the top 100 greatest non-fiction book list.

Prior to the book's release, many Americans had a very narrow concept of the experiences of soldiers during the war. Dispatches, along with other pieces of Vietnam war literature, shed light on the previously undiscussed topic in the perspective of a soldier. Serving as an integral aspect of American literature, Diapatches is regarded highly for its ability to create a more dynamic view of the war, and the humans fighting in it.

Fellow war correspondents and Sean Flynn, Dale Dye, and Dana Stone and war photographer Tim Page offer insights throughout the book.

For Quizzes, you may use BOOK but not the notes packet please.Assuming you have read, the intent is NOT to look up every answer, so watch the timer on the quiz. Ample time has been provided based on previous average length of time in quiz.Quiz #1 Chapter 1, Part I Breathing In pp 3-18 Chapter 1, Part II Breathing In pp. 18-33